Exploring Leeds' Coffee Scene

Leeds has a number of cafes serving speciality coffee. The town is home to several independent coffee shops and roasters. This walkable coffee-and-cake crawl guide covers six stops in Leeds.

1. Laynes Espresso

Laynes Espresso serves Square Mile coffee. The cafe is located by Leeds station and has been serving coffee since 2011. Laynes Espresso uses a Synesso machine to pour Square Mile coffee. The cafe also serves pastries from its own Laynes Bakery in Armley.

2. North Star Coffee Shop & General Store

North Star Coffee Shop & General Store roasts its own coffee in-house. The cafe is next to North Star's roastery. North Star Coffee Shop & General Store uses Marco SP9 brewers for filter coffee. The cafe serves cakes from neighbouring Nova Bakehouse.

3. Kapow Coffee

Kapow Coffee roasts its own coffee in-house. The company has been independent since 2013 and has sites in Thornton's Arcade and The Calls. Kapow Coffee roasts its own espresso and also serves guest roasters.

4. Maude Coffee Roasters

Maude Coffee Roasters is a small-batch roastery and cafe located under the railway arches. The company roasts its own coffee in-house. Maude Coffee Roasters sells brewing kit including Origami and Orea brewers.

5. Opposite Cafe

Opposite Cafe serves coffee from North Star Coffee Roasters. The cafe is a neighbourhood cafe located in Chapel Allerton, with a Meanwood site added in 2024. Opposite Cafe has a house espresso developed with North Star and serves homemade cakes.

6. PARIA Cafe & General Store

PARIA Cafe & General Store serves coffee from Hard Lines. The cafe is a coffee and cycling cafe from the Paria clothing brand. PARIA Cafe & General Store uses a Cardiff roaster and has an in-house bakery called Not Bakery that makes the pastries.

The six stops on this coffee-and-cake crawl guide are all located in Leeds and serve a range of speciality coffees. Each cafe has its own unique character and serves a variety of cakes and pastries.

Common questions

Which cafe in Leeds has been serving Square Mile coffee since 2011?

Laynes Espresso has been serving Square Mile coffee since 2011. The cafe is located by Leeds station.

Which cafe roasts its own coffee in-house and is located next to its roastery?

North Star Coffee Shop & General Store roasts its own coffee in-house and is located next to its roastery.

Which cafe serves coffee from Cardiff roaster Hard Lines and has an in-house bakery?

PARIA Cafe & General Store serves coffee from Hard Lines and has an in-house bakery called Not Bakery.